We met over thirty years ago in her sister’s garage, while I was catering a holiday party for 500. Ellen walked into the middle of the scramble space staging kitchen like she owned the place, full of smiles and compliments. She told me right then, we were going to be great friends. She was right!

She loves everything that’s happening in South L.A. with RootDownLA and comes to all my community events. She really makes me feel good about all my side hustles building community. She got me to lead a series of cooking classes at the South Pasadena Senior Center for these amazing teens.

We went back the next year and made a vegan Thanksgiving Celebration for all the Seniors!

She also keeps me in the political loop. I’ve been attending Vital Voices Luncheons for a few years now with amazing guests and delicious popovers and key lime pie at the Pasadena Women’s City Club. Love me some Judy Chu!!

She’s a true community activist. She knows everybody, and everybody knows her. And she’s bossy. So when she tells me to do something, I do it!

She hosts amazing events herself with key celebrity congress people and local leaders. (Insert pic of Adam Schiff here) And of course, I cater!

A couple of years ago, I was getting ready to leave on my first full month holiday at the beach. I was having some staff issues and we met for lunch. Her advice was clear and concise. This is what she said…

” I think you should get off your high horse and take care of business.”

Thanks Ellen, I needed that. And the world needs you. Thank you for being an amazing woman with a heart so full of love, you can’t help but share.